Veysonnaz ski resort

Details

Written by: Roger Fulton

Last Updated: 25 Mar 2014

Overview

Like its closest neighbours Nendaz, Siviez and Thyon, Veysonnaz ski resort is an often overlooked part of the huge 4 Valleys ski area in Switzerland’s Valais region, dominated by the swanky charms and big reputation of Verbier.

Geographically, it’s almost as far from Verbier as you can ski and still be in the 4 Valleys, which makes it fine for families who want a quieter life, but a bit inconvenient for anyone wanting to pop over to the famous slopes on the other side of the domain.

It’s a resort in two halves – the charming, rustic old village, complete with historic church, and the resort station a couple of bends up the road. Most of the accommodation is in self-catered apartments and chalets but there are a couple of good hotels.

Scenically, Veysonnaz is blessed with magnificent views over the Rhone Valley and a striking landscape of its own – the long red run down the crested slope to the village from the ridge above Thyon is a stunner.

Ski area

As well as being on the access-all-areas 4 valleys ski pass, Veysonnaz is also part of the smaller ‘ski area within a ski area’ of Printse, that also includes Nendaz, Siviez and the sadly rather ugly Thyon 2000. However, it’s the proximity to Thyon’s mix of blue and red slopes that makes the prettier Veysonnaz a particularly appealing spot for beginners and early intermediates.

A single eight-person gondola climbs out of Veysonnaz and deposits you on the ridge above Thyon. Go right as you disembark and you begin the slow trek towards Siviez, from where you either fork up towards Mont-Fort – at 3,330m, the 4 Valleys’ high point – right towards Nendaz or go further on towards Verbier.

Veysonnaz’s own contribution to the piste total is fairly modest in total, but includes the legendary Piste de l’Ours (the bear’s Track) one of the most famous of World Cup ski runs, and considered by many to be one of the finest. This 2km, north-facing piste with 630km of vertical and up to 51% gradient is actually a red run, so is within the scope of adventurous intermediates up for a challenging romp.

The main lure of the area for experts however, is the spectacular amount of freeride with seven marked-out freeride zones, including the famous Mont-Fort descent. (See also Nendaz and Verbier.)

Off the slopes and apres ski

A bit on the quiet side, compared with the full-on partying over in verbier, but Veysonnaz has a half a dozen decent bars, with the Magrappe hotel’s bar the main focus for a post-ski pint or two. There are also a couple of clubs to go on to.

But for families looking to keep the kids entertained, there’s plenty, from the ubiquitous dog sled rides to tobogganing, tubing, and ice rink, treasure hunts, snowshoe walks, hiking. You can also take a torchlight descent and be greeted with mulled wine and music at the bottom.

For freestylers there are four snowparks in the 4 Valleys, including the new Wood Park over the valley at Nendaz. Young kids will love the snow garden, the magic carpet lifts and special film shows.